A Little Latin - Lesson 2

Now that we know Latin is an inflected language, meaning word endings change based on their role in a sentence, we must understand one of its most important features: cases. In Latin, nouns and adjectives take different endings depending on whether they are the subject, object, or showing possession. One key case is the genitive case, which expresses possession—similar to using "of" in English. We see this in the Sign of the Cross: “In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.” ("In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.") Here, Patris (Father), Filii (Son), and Spiritus Sancti (Holy Spirit) are in the genitive case, indicating that the "name" belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This simple prayer shows how Latin’s structure gives precision and depth to meaning. As you pray the Sign of the Cross in Latin, reflect on its theological richness and the unchanging language of the Church. “Soli Deo gloria!” ("To God alone be the glory!")